Our first stop on our 'round the world tour wasn't always going to be India. We had chosen South East Asia, for it's easy going tourist circuit. Our plans quickly changed when we heard news of our good friend Jazz's marriage. It was an easy choice to make- South East Asia second- first India for the amazing, once in a lifetime opportunity to attend an authentic Indian wedding!!!
As a few of you may know, Indian weddings are nothing like the ones back home in Canada- they are a four day event, with lots of traditions, food and parties. The first ceremony is called a ring ceremony. As it is much like the western tradition of ring exchange between husband and wife, here in India it doesn't quite hold the same meaning.
Now, we have heard over and over that Simer and Jazz' wedding was a simple affair by Indian standards- as far as Dan and I are concerned it was the exact opposite. The preparations started a few days before- the decorations had to go up! We had spent the past few days at a family friends home- upon our return we were awe struck at the expanse of the decorations. The yard was tented with vibrant red and gold to protect the guests from the Indian sun, lines of chairs for them to sit and a stage for the guests of honour.
As the guests filtered in(about 100) we started to enjoy the amazing spread of Indian cuisine paired with various drink. Yum, Yum, Yum- this is one of my favourite things about India!!! I know in three months you will be able to tell from the extra 15 pounds I'm beginning to put on :( but that's not the point.
When we got word of Jazzy's arrival the ladies set up a barracade at the door. Only after Jazz barters a fair price for Simers hand will he be able to cut the red ribbon that separates and prevents him from entering the grounds :) Yeah ladies- also a great tradition. I'm not sure as I don't speak Punjabi but I am thinking that Jazz was too chicken to follow this tradition (sorry Jazz!).
After all the guests took their seats Simer came out, dressed in a beautiful pink suit (a traditional Indian outfit) and made her way to the stage with the ladies of her family by her side. Now I have to give them props for sitting on a stage in front of so many people, Jazzy on 3 hours of sleep- just sitting there. The ring ceremony itself was just that, an exchange of rings. It didn't have the same result as a western ceremony as the wedding traditions carry out over three more days until it is official. Then they sit- for picture, after picture, after picture. On the upside, every family gives the bride and groom each a gift, usually cash. Can I say, Jazz's sack was HUGE!- with cash of course ;)
Thats that. The grooms family then leaves for his own private ceremonies and traditions and the ladies' side PARTIES- and hard. The alcohol was flowing-mostly whiskey, and the music was so loud it was like an outdoor night club. You dance-from 3pm till 12am!! Now that's a good way to digest your lunch :)
As a few of you may know, Indian weddings are nothing like the ones back home in Canada- they are a four day event, with lots of traditions, food and parties. The first ceremony is called a ring ceremony. As it is much like the western tradition of ring exchange between husband and wife, here in India it doesn't quite hold the same meaning.
Now, we have heard over and over that Simer and Jazz' wedding was a simple affair by Indian standards- as far as Dan and I are concerned it was the exact opposite. The preparations started a few days before- the decorations had to go up! We had spent the past few days at a family friends home- upon our return we were awe struck at the expanse of the decorations. The yard was tented with vibrant red and gold to protect the guests from the Indian sun, lines of chairs for them to sit and a stage for the guests of honour.
As the guests filtered in(about 100) we started to enjoy the amazing spread of Indian cuisine paired with various drink. Yum, Yum, Yum- this is one of my favourite things about India!!! I know in three months you will be able to tell from the extra 15 pounds I'm beginning to put on :( but that's not the point.
When we got word of Jazzy's arrival the ladies set up a barracade at the door. Only after Jazz barters a fair price for Simers hand will he be able to cut the red ribbon that separates and prevents him from entering the grounds :) Yeah ladies- also a great tradition. I'm not sure as I don't speak Punjabi but I am thinking that Jazz was too chicken to follow this tradition (sorry Jazz!).
After all the guests took their seats Simer came out, dressed in a beautiful pink suit (a traditional Indian outfit) and made her way to the stage with the ladies of her family by her side. Now I have to give them props for sitting on a stage in front of so many people, Jazzy on 3 hours of sleep- just sitting there. The ring ceremony itself was just that, an exchange of rings. It didn't have the same result as a western ceremony as the wedding traditions carry out over three more days until it is official. Then they sit- for picture, after picture, after picture. On the upside, every family gives the bride and groom each a gift, usually cash. Can I say, Jazz's sack was HUGE!- with cash of course ;)
Thats that. The grooms family then leaves for his own private ceremonies and traditions and the ladies' side PARTIES- and hard. The alcohol was flowing-mostly whiskey, and the music was so loud it was like an outdoor night club. You dance-from 3pm till 12am!! Now that's a good way to digest your lunch :)
you guys look stunning! beautiful pictures! i know you've told me, but i forget...how do you know jazzy? are western indian weddings different than india indian weddings? i've obviously only been to ones in canada, so i'm interested to see how much they were differ
ReplyDeleteAwe thanks :) Danny met Jazz about 10 years ago, through a friend-no romantic story there :)
ReplyDeleteNow, about the wedding thing-I don't know. I think it depends on faith(Jazz is Sikh) and personal preference I guess????
So far, I'm loving the posts! Way to go guys, this seems like an amazing journey, and I wish you the best.
ReplyDelete-Graham
Ahh the old buy your bride tradition eh. My brother had to 'buy' his wife too (it's not taken seriously anymore of course, just a tradition)
ReplyDelete